The 52nd Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster Yacht Race, renowned as one of Australia’s most challenging ocean races, witnessed a remarkable performance by the catamaran Rushour. Designed, built, and skippered by Queenslander Drew Carruthers, Rushour not only secured line honours in the multihull division but also shattered the previous race record by nearly 30 hours.

The race commenced on December 27, 2024, under sunny skies with a 20-knot south-westerly breeze off Portsea Pier. Rushour quickly established a commanding lead, setting a brisk pace down Tasmania’s rugged west coast. By the time she reached the southern tip of Tasmania, Rushour was on track to set a new race record in the multihull division.

Skipper Drew Carruthers, participating in his first Westcoaster, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We are happy—we got here without any major dramas and looked after the boat.”

The crew’s extensive experience, including multiple circumnavigations of New Caledonia and participation in races such as the Brisbane to Gladstone and Brisbane to Hamilton Island, undoubtedly contributed to their success.

The 435-nautical-mile course of the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster Yacht Race is notorious for its demanding conditions, requiring yachts to navigate the unpredictable Bass Strait, the formidable swells of the Southern Ocean, and the often capricious winds of the River Derwent. Rushour’s achievement in such a challenging environment underscores the skill and determination of her crew.

In addition to Rushour’s triumph, the race featured impressive performances from other competitors. The Carkeek 43 Scarlet Runner, skippered by Rob Date from the Sandringham Yacht Club, dominated the monohull division, winning line honours and securing the prestigious Heemskerk Perpetual Trophy awarded to the overall winner on corrected time.

Sail World

The 2024 Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster Yacht Race will be remembered for its record-breaking feats and the exceptional seamanship displayed by its participants. Rushour’s performance, in particular, has set a new benchmark in the multihull division, inspiring future competitors to push the boundaries of ocean racing excellence.